Heer en dame met page 1779 - 1781

Cornelis Brouwer created this etching, Heer en dame met page, sometime in the 18th century. Brouwer lived in a time of shifting social structures, as the merchant class grew and challenged the aristocracy. This scene provides a glimpse into the domestic life of the Dutch elite. The almost ghostly presence of the man and woman, contrasted with the more defined figure of the page, draws attention to the social hierarchy of the time. What does it mean to be present, but not seen? The power dynamics inherent in the relationship between the servant and the served raise questions about labor, class, and visibility. Is the artist subtly commenting on the exploitation of the working class? Brouwer invites us to consider the emotional distance within these social roles. The page's expression is unreadable, leaving us to wonder about his inner life. The artwork is not just a depiction of a scene, but an invitation to reflect on the human cost of social inequality.